Packers Press Conference: McCarthy All But Rules Cobb Out for Saturday

As is typical in training camp, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy took the podium to discuss his team's practice on Wednesday.

McCarthy started his presser by addressing injured Packers. James Starks sat out practice today, but luckily for him, it does not appear to be an injury, but rather a "chest illness" that has him sidelined. T.J. Lang was originally only scheduled to work in individual drills, but McCarthy said that he felt good so they allowed him to work in the team drills. That worked out well, as Don Barclay was able to get more snaps at right tackle with Lang covering right guard.

Randall Cobb was addressed next, and McCarthy described him as having swelling in his right arm. The coach said that Cobb would not practice tomorrow, and that he would be a "stretch" to play against St. Louis. In all likelihood, that means Cobb will not go on Saturday.

Tyrone Walker drew praise from McCarthy, who complimented him on his consistency over the past few weeks. Walker reminds me a lot of Jarrett Boykin last year - he's not flashy, and he's not especially fast, but his route-running and solid hands give him a legitimate shot to make the team.

McCarthy also spoke well of Vince Young, who he referred to as being in "a different place" now than he was a week ago. Coach said he hopes to get Young more snaps against St. Louis than he received against Arizona, but he still hopes to get all four quarterbacks into the game.

Mike Neal had his best practice of camp today, and it did not go unnoticed by his coach, who referred to Neal as a difference-maker. Neal made some good plays out of the linebacker position, and it is becoming clear that the coaching staff is not just putting him out there as a gimmick.

As for the team's superstar, McCarthy said that Aaron Rodgers' timing with his receivers and exact accuracy has come to him earlier in camp this season than it did in years past. If he gets a running game and some time to throw, look out defenses.

The final topic was the offensive line, and McCarthy still would not commit to either Marshall Newhouse or Barclay at tackle, saying only that their play will determine who will start. He did have good things to say about David Bakhtiari on the left side, noting that the reps he gets against a star like Clay Matthews can only help him in the long run.

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